Explaining a device defect and requesting a replacement | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: At a shop service counter, a customer explains an intermittent screen fault and asks for a replacement rather than a repair..

EN → NL / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Explaining a device defect and requesting a replacement to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Ik heb dit apparaat onlangs gekocht, maar het scherm flikkert soms.

ik hep dit ah-pah-RAHT OHN-lahngs khuh-KOKHT, mahr ut skhairm FLIH-kurt soms. I bought this device recently, but the screen flickers sometimes.
B

Storingen die af en toe optreden, kunnen lastig te reproduceren zijn, dus we testen het hier.

STOH-ring-un dee ahf un TOO OP-tray-dun KUN-nun LAHS-tikh tuh ray-proh-doo-SAY-run zine, duss wuh TES-tun ut heer. Intermittent faults can be hard to reproduce, so we will test it here.
A

Ik heb een korte video gemaakt waarop te zien is dat dit tijdens normaal gebruik gebeurt.

ik hep un KOR-tuh VEE-dee-oh muh-KHAHKT wah-ROP tuh zeen is daht dit TIE-duns nor-MAHL khuh-BROYK khuh-BURT. I recorded a short video of it happening during normal use.
B

De video helpt als de storing tijdens de test niet optreedt.

duh VEE-dee-oh helpt ahls duh STOH-ring TIE-duns duh test neet OP-trayt. The video will help if the fault does not show up during the test.
A

Ik heb liever een vervangend apparaat dan een reparatie.

ik hep LIH-vur un vuh-VAHNG-unt ah-pah-RAHT dahn un ray-pah-RAH-tsee. I would prefer a replacement instead of a repair.
B

We kunnen die voorkeur noteren, maar de inspectie bepaalt wat de volgende stap is.

wuh KUN-nun dee VOHR-kur noh-TAY-run, mahr duh in-SPEK-tsee buh-PAHLT waht duh VOLH-khun-duh stahp is. We can record that preference, but the inspection decides the next step.
A

Wilt u alstublieft noteren dat het probleem direct na de installatie begon?

vilt oo ahl-stu-BLEEFT noh-TAY-run daht ut proh-BLAYM dee-REKT nah duh in-stah-LAH-tsee buh-KHON? Please note that the problem started right after setup.
B

Ik zal dat aan het servicerapport toevoegen.

ik zahl daht ahn ut SAYR-viss-rah-PORT TOOT-voo-khun. I will add that to the service record.

Word by Word

Ik “Ik” means “I” and identifies the speaker in “Ik heb dit apparaat onlangs gekocht”. It is used before the verb phrase in a simple statement about the speaker’s own experience, such as “Ik heb ...”. In this situation, a customer uses it to describe what happened to their device.
heb “Heb” means “have” here and works with “gekocht” in “Ik heb dit apparaat onlangs gekocht” to express a completed purchase. This form belongs to the reusable pattern “Ik heb ... gekocht”, with the purchased object after “heb”. A speaker can use this pattern when explaining a previous purchase.
dit “Dit” means “this” and points to the device being discussed in “dit apparaat”. It comes directly before the noun it identifies. A customer can use “dit” when indicating an item nearby or currently being handled.
apparaat “Apparaat” means “device” in “dit apparaat”. It is the object of “gekocht” and follows the demonstrative “dit”. This word is useful when discussing an electronic or other technical device with a shop employee.
onlangs “Onlangs” means “recently” and places the purchase in the recent past in “onlangs gekocht”. It is an adverb and can be placed before the past participle in this sentence. A customer can use it when explaining that a purchase was not long ago.
gekocht “Gekocht” means “bought” in “Ik heb dit apparaat onlangs gekocht”. It is the completed-action form used with “heb” in the pattern “heb ... gekocht”. A customer can use this pattern to establish when and how they obtained an item.
maar “Maar” means “but” and introduces the contrasting problem in “maar het scherm flikkert soms”. It links the purchase statement to an unexpected fault. Use “maar” when the second statement contrasts with or limits the first.
het “Het” means “the” in “het scherm” and identifies the specific screen of the device. It appears directly before “scherm” as part of the noun phrase. In this dialogue it is an article, not the pronoun “it”.
scherm “Scherm” means “screen” in “het scherm flikkert soms”. It is the part of the device that has the reported fault. A customer can use “het scherm” when describing a problem with a device’s display.
flikkert “Flikkert” means “flickers” in “het scherm flikkert soms”. The form describes the screen’s intermittent visible behavior and follows the subject “het scherm”. A customer can use it when reporting a display that repeatedly flashes or becomes unstable.
soms “Soms” means “sometimes” and shows that the flickering does not happen continuously in “flikkert soms”. It commonly comes after the verb in this sentence. Use “soms” when describing an intermittent problem rather than a constant one.
Storingen “Storingen” means “faults” or “malfunctions” in “Storingen die af en toe optreden”. It is the plural subject of the sentence and is further described by “die af en toe optreden”. A service employee can use it when speaking generally about technical problems.
die “Die” introduces the description “die af en toe optreden” and refers back to “Storingen”. Here it means “that” or “which” and connects the noun to information about when the faults occur. This pattern is useful for specifying which faults are being discussed.
af en toe “Af en toe” means “occasionally” or “from time to time” in “Storingen die af en toe optreden”. The whole expression describes faults that happen at irregular intervals, not every time. Use it to report an intermittent issue, for example in the pattern “iets treedt af en toe op”.
optreden “Optreden” means “occur” or “appear” in “die af en toe optreden”. It describes a fault coming into view or happening, with “die” referring to the faults. A service employee can use “een storing treedt op” to describe when a malfunction appears.
kunnen “Kunnen” means “can” in “kunnen lastig te reproduceren zijn” and expresses possibility or capability. It is followed by “lastig te reproduceren zijn”, so the full statement says that intermittent faults may be difficult to reproduce. Use “kunnen” before an infinitive phrase when describing what may be possible or difficult.
lastig “Lastig” means “difficult” or “challenging” in “lastig te reproduceren”. It evaluates the task of reproducing the fault, rather than describing the fault itself. The reusable pattern is “lastig te + infinitive”, useful when a task is difficult to carry out.
te “Te” marks the infinitive in “te reproduceren” and helps form the expression “lastig te reproduceren”. It comes directly before the verb form “reproduceren”. Use this pattern after an adjective such as “lastig” when describing a difficult action.
reproduceren “Reproduceren” means “reproduce” or “replicate” in “lastig te reproduceren”. Here it means making the same fault happen again under test conditions. A service employee can use “een storing reproduceren” when trying to confirm a reported malfunction.
zijn “Zijn” means “be” in “kunnen lastig te reproduceren zijn”. It completes the description of what the faults can be like: difficult to reproduce. The pattern “kunnen ... zijn” is useful for describing a possible characteristic or condition.
dus “Dus” means “so” or “therefore” and introduces the action that follows from the difficulty of reproducing the fault: “dus we testen het hier”. It connects a reason with a practical consequence. Use it when explaining why a next step is being taken.
we “We” means “we” in “we testen het hier” and refers to the service staff or the people carrying out the test. It is the subject before “testen”. A staff member can use “we” when describing an action the staff will perform together or on behalf of the shop.
testen “Testen” means “test” in “we testen het hier”. It describes checking the device under the shop’s conditions, with “het” referring to the device. The reusable pattern is “we testen het”, useful when explaining a diagnostic action.
hier “Hier” means “here” and specifies the place of testing in “we testen het hier”. It comes at the end of this short sentence and contrasts the shop’s location with the customer’s earlier use. A service employee can use it to state where an inspection or test will happen.
een “Een” means “a” or “an” in “een korte video”. It introduces one non-specific video before the noun phrase. Use “een” when mentioning an item without presenting it as a previously identified specific item.
korte “Korte” means “short” in “een korte video” and describes the duration or length of the video. It comes before the noun “video”. This adjective-noun pattern is useful when briefly describing evidence or media provided to someone.
video “Video” means “video” in “een korte video gemaakt”. It is the recorded evidence the customer provides about the fault. A customer can use “een video maken” when showing a problem that may not appear during an inspection.
gemaakt “Gemaakt” means “made” or, in this context, “recorded” in “een korte video gemaakt”. It is used with “heb” in “Ik heb een korte video gemaakt” to describe a completed recording. Use “een video maken” when explaining that you recorded evidence of an event.
waarop “Waarop” means “on which” in “waarop te zien is dat dit tijdens normaal gebruik gebeurt”. It links the video to what can be seen in it. This form is useful when describing a recording or image that shows a particular event.
zien “Zien” means “see” in the expression “te zien is”, which says that something is visible in the video. The construction “te zien is dat ...” introduces what the recording shows. Use it when pointing out visible evidence in a video, photograph, or other record.
is “Is” means “is” in “te zien is dat dit tijdens normaal gebruik gebeurt”. It completes the expression “te zien is”, meaning that something can be seen. The same form also appears in “wat de volgende stap is”, where it links the subject with its description.
dat “Dat” means “that” in “te zien is dat dit tijdens normaal gebruik gebeurt” and introduces the information shown by the video. It also introduces the recorded fact in “noteren dat het probleem direct na de installatie begon”. Use “dat” to connect a reporting or noting verb to the information being reported.
tijdens “Tijdens” means “during” in “tijdens normaal gebruik”. It introduces the period in which the fault occurs. Use “tijdens” before an event or activity when specifying when something happens.
normaal “Normaal” means “normal” or “ordinary” in “normaal gebruik”. It describes ordinary operation rather than a special test situation. The phrase “tijdens normaal gebruik” is useful when explaining that a problem appears during regular everyday operation.
gebruik “Gebruik” means “use” in “tijdens normaal gebruik”. It names the activity during which the fault occurs and follows “normaal”. The phrase “tijdens normaal gebruik” can be used when describing what happens while an item is being used normally.
gebeurt “Gebeurt” means “happens” or “occurs” in “dat dit tijdens normaal gebruik gebeurt”. It refers to the fault or behavior shown in the video. A speaker can use “iets gebeurt tijdens ...” to say when an event takes place.
De “De” means “the” in “De video helpt” and identifies the specific video that was just mentioned. It comes before “video” at the start of the sentence. Use it when referring back to an already identified item.
helpt “Helpt” means “helps” in “De video helpt als de storing tijdens de test niet optreedt”. It says that the video is useful evidence if the fault is not observed directly. The pattern “iets helpt als ...” can describe how one resource is useful in a particular situation.
als “Als” means “if” in “als de storing tijdens de test niet optreedt”. It introduces the condition under which the video will be useful. Use “als” before a condition when explaining what happens in that case.
storing “Storing” means “fault” or “malfunction” in “de storing tijdens de test niet optreedt”. It refers to the specific problem being investigated. A service employee can use “de storing” when discussing a previously reported technical fault.
test “Test” means “test” in “tijdens de test”. It names the inspection activity during which the shop tries to observe the fault. The phrase “tijdens de test” is useful for specifying what happens during a diagnostic check.
niet “Niet” means “not” in “niet optreedt” and negates the occurrence of the fault during the test. It appears before “optreedt” in this subordinate clause. Use “niet” to state that an expected event does not happen.
optreedt “Optreedt” means “occurs” or “appears” in “de storing tijdens de test niet optreedt”. It describes whether the specific fault becomes visible during the test. The pattern “de storing treedt op” is useful when reporting that a malfunction appears.
liever “Liever” means “rather” or “preferably” in “Ik heb liever een vervangend apparaat dan een reparatie”. It expresses the customer’s preferred resolution. The reusable pattern is “Ik heb liever X dan Y”, useful when choosing one option over another.
vervangend “Vervangend” means “replacement” or “substitute” as a description in “een vervangend apparaat”. It identifies an apparatus intended to replace the faulty one. A customer can use “een vervangend apparaat” when requesting another device instead of repair.
dan “Dan” means “than” in the preference pattern “liever een vervangend apparaat dan een reparatie”. It introduces the option that is less preferred in the comparison. Use “liever X dan Y” to state a preference between two resolutions.
reparatie “Reparatie” means “repair” in “dan een reparatie”. It names the alternative to receiving a replacement device. A customer can use “een reparatie” when discussing repair as one possible service outcome.
voorkeur “Voorkeur” means “preference” in “die voorkeur noteren”. It refers to the customer’s stated choice of a replacement rather than a repair. The pattern “een voorkeur noteren” is useful when staff record what outcome a customer wants.
noteren “Noteren” means “note” or “record” in “die voorkeur noteren”. It describes entering the customer’s preference into the service process. It can also be used in “noteren dat ...” when recording a specific fact or request.
inspectie “Inspectie” means “inspection” in “de inspectie bepaalt wat de volgende stap is”. It refers to the examination that determines how the case proceeds. A service employee can use “de inspectie” when explaining that a decision depends on checking the device.
bepaalt “Bepaalt” means “determines” or “decides” in “de inspectie bepaalt wat de volgende stap is”. It makes the inspection the factor that decides the subsequent action. The pattern “iets bepaalt wat de volgende stap is” is useful when explaining how a result controls what happens next.
wat “Wat” means “what” in “wat de volgende stap is”. It introduces the information that the inspection determines. This form is useful in embedded questions or statements about which action or result will follow.
volgende “Volgende” means “next” or “following” in “de volgende stap”. It identifies the step that comes after the inspection. The phrase “de volgende stap” is commonly used when discussing the next action in a process.
stap “Stap” means “step” in “de volgende stap”. It refers to the next action or stage in handling the service case. A staff member can use “de volgende stap” when explaining how a procedure will continue.
Wilt “Wilt” forms the polite request “Wilt u alstublieft noteren ...?” and can be understood here as “would you please”. It makes the customer’s request formal and courteous. The reusable pattern “Wilt u alstublieft ...?” is suitable when asking someone politely to take an action.
u “U” means formal “you” in “Wilt u alstublieft noteren ...?”. It addresses the shop employee respectfully. Use “u” in a formal request to one person when the relationship or setting calls for politeness.
alstublieft “Alstublieft” means “please” in “Wilt u alstublieft noteren ...?”. It softens and marks the request as polite. The phrase “Wilt u alstublieft ...?” can be used at a service counter when asking an employee to record information.
probleem “Probleem” means “problem” in “het probleem direct na de installatie begon”. It refers to the device issue the customer is reporting. The pattern “het probleem begon na ...” is useful when explaining when a fault first started.
direct “Direct” means “directly” or “immediately” in “direct na de installatie”. It emphasizes that the problem began right after the installation. Use “direct na” before an event to describe something happening immediately afterward.
na “Na” means “after” in “na de installatie”. It places the beginning of the problem after the setup event. The pattern “na de installatie” is useful when describing when a device issue started.
installatie “Installatie” means “installation” or “setup” in “na de installatie”. It names the setup event that occurred before the problem began. A customer can use this word when explaining that a device fault appeared after setting up the device.
begon “Begon” means “started” or “began” in “het probleem direct na de installatie begon”. It identifies the point at which the problem first appeared. The pattern “het probleem begon na ...” is useful for reporting the onset of a fault.
zal “Zal” means “will” in “Ik zal dat aan het servicerapport toevoegen”. It expresses the employee’s intention or commitment to add the information. The pattern “Ik zal ... toevoegen” is useful when promising to update a record.
aan “Aan” means “to” in the fixed combination “aan het servicerapport toevoegen”. It marks the record that will receive the added information. Use the pattern “iets aan een rapport toevoegen” when adding information to a report.
servicerapport “Servicerapport” means “service record” or “service report” in “het servicerapport”. It is the document to which the employee will add the customer’s information. A service employee can use “aan het servicerapport toevoegen” when documenting a case.
toevoegen “Toevoegen” means “add” in “dat aan het servicerapport toevoegen”. It describes putting the customer’s information into the service record. The reusable pattern is “iets aan een rapport toevoegen”, useful when updating written service documentation.

Grammar Points

tijdens + zelfstandig naamwoord

tijdens gebruik

TIE-duns khuh-BROYK

during use

Gebruik tijdens direct vóór een zelfstandig naamwoord om aan te geven wanneer iets plaatsvindt.

bijvoeglijk naamwoord vóór zelfstandig naamwoord

korte inspectie

KOR-tuh in-SPEK-tsee

short inspection

Een bijvoeglijk naamwoord krijgt vaak een -e vóór een zelfstandig naamwoord: korte inspectie.

Dutch Vocabulary

af en toe adv
ahf un TOO occasionally
apparaat noun
ah-pah-RAHT device
flikkert verb
FLIH-kurt flickers
gekocht verb
khuh-KOKHT bought
lastig adj
LAHS-tikh difficult
onlangs adv
OHN-lahngs recently
optreden verb
OP-tray-dun to occur
reproduceren verb
ray-proh-doo-SAY-run to reproduce
scherm noun
skhairm screen
soms adv
soms sometimes
storingen noun
STOH-ring-un faults
testen verb
TES-tun test

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to occur

Show Answeroptreden

faults

Show Answerstoringen

flickers

Show Answerflikkert

bought

Show Answergekocht